The day began with a series of keynote presentations in the Assembly Hall. Students were drawn in when listening to Marc Leckie, CEO Harlequins Foundation at Harlequins Rugby Club. Marc spoke opening about his personal life and the impact it had on the decisions he made and how he ended up in the incredible job he now has today. His key message was to, "take every opportunity that comes your way, however small". He talked about 'sliding door' moments where he was just in the right place at the right time to say 'yes' and how those seemingly small decisions have led to where he is now - which is not a job he ever knew about or would have thought was in his path.

Mark Tisshaw, Editiorial Director of Autocar at Haymarket Media Group, perhaps has the dream job of many as he drives and writes about cars for a living! As he said, "how is this a serious job?"! Again, Mark spoke about taking advantage of opportunities and being willing to take on the small jobs in order to gain experience: "Look for the things you enjoy doing".

We were also incredibly excited and happy to welcome back two of our alumni students, Lauren and Cyrus.  They have both settled into 6th form life in different educational establishments very well and are enjoying the subjects that they have chosen - although both are not studying subjects that they originally thought that they would be! As Lauren said, "Don't be afraid to change your mind". It is inspiring to have members of our founding cohort come back and speak to current students. They have experienced the reality and were in our Year 11 students shoes only a few short months ago.

James Casey Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer from Royal Holloway University of London, offered an interesting insight to life on campus and the sheer range of subjects that students could choose to study if university is their goal. He was also very clear that financial circumstances do not have to be a barrier - he shared a clear breakdown on what funding is offered and also how it is paid back. Don't be afraid to talk to universities and colleges, or your teachers, about any financial concerns - there is also much on offer in terms of assistance and grants.

Finally, Andrew Hanson from another one of our Board Members - National Physical Laboratory (NPL) - kept us entertained with his life story of rock bands and science! He showed us that there is no traditional path into a job, but that everything that you do is putting you on a path - "Your career has already started".

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"I love you Mum, I promise I won't die" - Monday 20 March, 18:00 at Waldegrave School

You are invited to a free performance of 'I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die'- a powerful verbatim play by award-winning playwright Mark Wheeller, commissioned by the DSM Foundation to tell the story of Dan’s joyful life and tragic death, as part of the range of drug education resources and support they have developed. Published by Bloomsbury, it has been studied and performed in schools, colleges and theatres across the UK and around the world, and has been touring schools as a professional Theatre in Education production since 2017. Since September 2022 it has been a GCSE Drama set text in England and Wales.

This event is hosted by drug education charity The Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation and funded by the Richmond Voluntary Fund. The play is being performed by Wizard Theatre to schools in Richmond as part of a seven-week London wide Theatre in Education tour - this community performance is an opportunity for parents and community leaders to see its powerful story.

Click here to read on: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Td2DHqKcOLaDPuKEasJA-LT47OqmKkYY/view?usp=sharing

Booking here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/richmond-community-performance-of-i-love-you-mum-i-promise-i-wont-die-registration-514171830787 

Dramacube: Easter Workshops and May Show!

Bursting with much-loved songs, memorable moments and colourful characters - Oliver Jr is a wonderful musical all the family will enjoy!

Based on the classic novel Oliver Twist and Lionel Bart's stage show Oliver, this official production is performed by a talented cast of local children.

Come support them on stage at The Cecil Hepworth Playhouse on 19th March or Hampton Hill Theatre between 5th – 7th May.

Book tickets at https://www.dramacubeproductions.co.uk/tickets/